Classic Shrimp Dinner Skillet
This quick and easy Classic Shrimp Dinner Skillet recipe delivers tender, flavorful shrimp in a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, you can customize it with your favorite flavor boosters.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion or shallot, finely diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- whole lemon for juice and zest
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Flavor Elevators (Choose one or mix and match!)
- Smoky Paprika & Red Pepper Flakes 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Herb Explosion 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano/thyme
- Aromatic Ginger & Soy 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (add towards the end)
- Tangy White Wine & Herbs ¼ cup dry white wine, 1 tbsp fresh chopped tarragon or dill
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion or shallot for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Push aromatics to one side, add remaining olive oil, and increase heat. Sear seasoned shrimp in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until pink; remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and melt. Stir in your chosen flavor enhancers (paprika/red pepper flakes, dried herbs, or ginger, or white wine/fresh herbs).
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer, combining all flavors.
- Return seared shrimp to the skillet and cook in the simmering sauce for 1-2 minutes, until fully cooked through. If using Aromatic Ginger & Soy, stir in soy sauce now.
- Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with lemon zest, and stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
For best results, do not overcrowd the skillet while searing shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary. The various "Flavor Elevators" offer versatility for different tastes; choose one that suits your preference or mix and match carefully to avoid overwhelming flavors.